This time of year is one where people show friendship, often in the giving of gifts. The first Christmas was an act of the deepest friendship where God moved towards us in giving the most precious gift He had to give – Jesus, His Son. He made the first move to us.
There are many who will feel lonely this Christmas, perhaps grieving the loss of a loved one or just feeling disconnected from others. The good news is that God still wants to connect with you so here are some practical ways you can connect with Him.
See The Quiet Miracle Behind The Noise
Christmas is loud—carols, crowds, calendars, commitments. But the first Christmas was much quieter. God slipped into the world through the sound of a newborn’s breath, not the roar of an empire. If you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or spiritually thin this season, you’re not failing. You’re simply living in a world that rarely makes room for wonder.
God still comes quietly. And He still comes close.
Christmas is not about us climbing up to God. It’s about God stepping into our dust, our noise, our unfinished lists, our tired hearts.
See The Manger Afresh
Find the scene of a baby in the manger in a Christmas card, in a school nativity or in a carol and open the door of your heart in three ways.
1. Look Down
Imagine that first manger. Not the polished nativity scene, but the real one—rough wood, cold air, the smell of animals. Let yourself feel the humility of God choosing that place.
- ‘The wise men listened to the king and then went on their way to Bethlehem. And now the star, which they had seen in the east, went in front of them as they travelled until at last it shone immediately above the place where the little child lay. The sight of the star filled them with indescribable joy. So they went into the house and saw the little child with his mother Mary. And they fell on their knees and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts—gold, incense and myrrh’ – Matthew 2:9-11
Whisper: ‘Lord, You came low so You could meet me here.’
2. Look In
Observe what’s happening in your heart today. Joy, stress, numbness, longing—whatever it is, offer it honestly knowing that God accepts you as you are.
- ‘But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart’ – Luke 2:19
Whisper: ‘Jesus, be born into this part of me.’
3. Look Up
Lift your attention to the God Who is with you. Not far. Not reluctant. With you.
- ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ – Isaiah 9:6
Whisper: ‘Emmanuel, help me see You here, with me in my day.’
A Word To The Wise
The wise men sought the birth of a king. Looking up, they followed a star that led them to the King of kings. The outcast shepherds minding their own business on a remote hill looked up and heard the message of angels:
- ‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests”’ – Luke 2:8-14
The shepherds paid attention and went to check it out. Leaning in and finding it to be just as they were told, they were the first messengers of this good news.
As You Connect With God
You find the real reason for Christmas and can celebrate in a totally new way. The carols and festivities can be truly enjoyed not for themselves but because of the birthday of Jesus and that God wants to connect with you.
- It interrupts the ‘autopilot’ of December
- It grounds you in the Incarnation, not the expectations
- It turns Christmas from a season you manage into a mystery you enter
- It reminds you that God is not waiting for you to be more spiritual – He’s already here
A Christmas Prayer
Lord God,
The miracle of Christmas is not that I find You, but that You find me.
You find me in the ordinary, in the messy and in the quiet corners.
Help me to slow down enough to notice and to care.
I want You to find me this Christmas.
So be it,
Amen
Note the lines of last verse of this familiar carol, ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’. It is sung by Jamie Callum here in a refreshing different way:
For further reading: https://connect4life.org.uk/c4l-boosters/christmas/ or https://connect4life.org.uk/c4l-boosters/advent/
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